Nepal, a renowned tourist destination, has wrapped up its peak tourist season. With winter bringing colder temperatures, the inflow of international tourists declines after mid-December as visitors gradually return to their home countries. The months of October, November, and early December mark the prime season for tourism in Nepal, while the spring season draws a significant number of adventure seekers for mountaineering, including expeditions to Mount Everest.
To sustain momentum during the off-season, Nepal is organizing numerous national and international events to attract tourists and extend their stay. Key tourist hotspots such as Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini are bustling with various festivals and competitions, designed to promote tourism and invigorate the sector.
Highlights of Current Tourism Activities
- International Balloon Festival
Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital, is hosting a nine-day International Hot Air Balloon Festival starting today. The festival features 20 professional balloon companies from 20 countries, evening fireworks, balloon races, and camping activities. The event aims to boost both domestic and international tourism while contributing to Nepal’s economy. - 26th Pokhara Street Festival
The 26th edition of the famous Pokhara Street Festival will be held from December 28 to January 1. Organized by the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBAN), the festival follows the theme “Dine on the Street, Enjoy the Street” and is expected to draw over 500,000 participants. This event, covering a 3-kilometer stretch from Fishtail Gate to Khahare in Lakeside Pokhara, highlights local arts, culture, and products while promoting tourism. - Nepal-China Friendship Dragon Boat Race
On December 29 and 30, the Nepal-China Friendship Dragon Boat Race will take place in Pokhara. This second edition of the event involves 20 teams, including 11 from Nepal, 8 from China, and 1 from Singapore. The race is a collaborative effort of the Gandaki Province Government, Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, and the Nepal Tourism Board.
Efforts to Revive Tourism
The tourism industry in Nepal is striving to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal welcomed nearly 1.2 million international tourists annually. However, current figures show the country is yet to achieve this target. From January to November 2024, Nepal received 1,055,533 foreign tourists, falling short of the goal to surpass 1.3 million visitors by year-end.
Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, Mr. Mani Raj Lamichhane, acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Despite a 10% increase in tourists compared to 2023, we are yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. However, Nepal’s recovery rate exceeds that of the Asia-Pacific region, with a 96% rebound compared to the global average of 93%.”
Strategic Role of Events in Promoting Tourism
Large-scale events like the International Balloon Festival, Dragon Boat Race, and Pokhara Street Festival are playing a crucial role in revitalizing tourism during the off-season. These activities not only enhance tourist experiences but also encourage longer stays and higher spending.
Sangharsha Bista, President of REBAN, highlighted the importance of these events: “Off-season activities are crucial for tourism promotion. They attract foreign visitors and position Nepal as a year-round tourist destination.”
Similarly, Mr. Sajan Shakya, Secretary-General of the Hotel Association Nepal, emphasized, “International festivals and events during the off-season bring vibrancy to destinations, boost tourist arrivals, and send a positive message about Nepal’s tourism sector.”
Future Prospects
With Nepal Metropolitan City declaring 2025 as the “Visit Pokhara Year,” stakeholders are optimistic that such festivals will further bolster the nation’s image as a premier tourist destination. These strategic initiatives aim to strengthen Nepal’s tourism industry while supporting its local economy and preserving cultural heritage.